COLUMBUS - State Senator Troy Balderson (R-Zanesville) today announced the release of state funds to begin the pre-construction phase of the project to rebuild the Hocking Hills State Park Dining Lodge.

Approved by the Ohio Controlling Board on Monday, the Department of Natural Resources requested the release of $1 million to begin design work for the rebuilding of the Hocking Hills State Park Dining Lodge.

“I'd like to commend the Department of Natural Resources on their quick action to begin this process," said Balderson. “The dining lodge is a vital part of the historic Hocking Hills community and tourism in the greater Hocking County area."

Originally built in 1972, the iconic Hocking Hills Dining Lodge was destroyed by a fire in early December 2016. For more than forty years, the facility served as a meeting and event space for the community and civic organizations as well as various corporate clients.

COLUMBUS - State Senator Troy Balderson (R-Zanesville) this week announced the introduction of the state's Capital Budget, a $2.62 billion investment in Ohio's infrastructure and local community projects.